Importing Your Pet to Israel
Moderate to importIsrael has strict biosecurity requirements for pet imports, particularly focused on rabies control. The Israeli Veterinary Services (IVS) regulates all pet imports. Pets entering Israel from most countries require an up-to-date rabies vaccination, ISO microchip, and a government-endorsed health certificate. From many origins, a rabies titre test is also required.
An import permit must be obtained from IVS before your pet travels. The permit process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Some origin countries require longer lead times. Start the permit process as soon as you know your travel date.
Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport is the main entry point for pets entering Israel. There is a government veterinary office at the airport that processes all arriving animals. Your pet will be inspected on arrival before being released.
Import Requirements
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
Rabies Vaccination
Required. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. Rabies vaccination must be current and correctly documented.
Titre Test
Required for: All pets except those from approved listed countries (US, Canada, most EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand). Not required for: Pets from fully approved countries with appropriate documentation. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait from test date before entry
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 1-3 days (inspection hold) days. Facility: Ben Gurion Airport Quarantine Station. All dogs and cats undergo a mandatory veterinary inspection on arrival. This is an inspection hold of 1-3 days, not extended quarantine, for pets with correct documents. Pets with non-compliant docs may be held longer or refused entry.
Import Permit
Required. Import must be pre-approved. Do not travel without confirmed permit. Form available via veterinary.moag.gov.il.
Health Certificate
Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official government veterinarian in origin country. Valid for 10 days from issue. Certificate must be issued and endorsed no more than 10 days before arrival. Lists microchip, vaccinations, titre test result, parasite treatment.
Breed Restrictions
American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro
Import permit process for Israel
To bring a pet into Israel, you must submit an import permit application to the Israeli Veterinary Services (IVS) before travel. The application requires: proof of microchip, valid rabies vaccination record, titre test results (if required for your origin), and a completed application form.
The permit is typically issued within 2-4 weeks. Once issued, it is valid for a specific period. Travel must be within the permit validity window. Do not book flights until the permit is in hand.
From countries with endemic rabies, a titre test is required. The blood draw must be at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination. A minimum result of 0.5 IU/ml is required. A 3-month waiting period after the successful titre test applies before Israel entry.
Pet inspection on arrival at Ben Gurion Airport
All pets arriving in Israel are inspected by an IVS veterinary officer at Ben Gurion Airport. Have all original documents ready: import permit, health certificate, vaccination record, and titre test results. Copies are not accepted.
If your documentation is complete and correct, the inspection is usually quick. If any documentation is missing or incorrect, your pet may be held in government quarantine at the owner’s expense until the issue is resolved.
Routes to Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
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Israel
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Quarantine: Mandatory quarantine. 1-3 days (inspection hold) days. Facility: Ben Gurion Airport Quarantine Station. All dogs and cats undergo a mandatory veterinary inspection on arrival. This is an inspection hold of 1-3 days, not extended quarantine, for pets with correct documents. Pets with non-compliant docs may be held longer or refused entry.
- Code: IL